Pics/video in Candy Catch Anniversary folder
Brenika Banks video caption:
Candy Catch BK, Black-owned by Ka-Wana Jefferson, groups up with Ten to One Black-owned Caribbean rum. Jefferson and the rum firm’s market supervisor, Eli Servance III, converse in regards to the significance of Black possession throughout the hospitality business in addition to its challenges. Amongst these challenges, Candy Catch BK prevails whereas celebrating its third anniversary. (Brenika Banks video)
The significance of Black possession throughout the hospitality business is crucial, particularly in predominantly Caribbean and Black neighborhoods. Seafood-meets-soul-food institution Candy Catch BK not too long ago co-hosted its third anniversary ceremonial dinner with Ten to One Rum. The celebration was held on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Candy Catch BK’s location in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Restaurant proprietor Ka-Wana Jefferson and the Caribbean rum firm’s Market Supervisor, Eli Servance III, spoke in regards to the significance of Black possession throughout the hospitality business in addition to its challenges.
Jefferson led her group as she greeted company and prospects whereas ensuring her restaurant’s “third Yr Anniversary Unapologetically Black Dinner Occasion” went as deliberate. Her crew labored onerous to make sure everybody in attendance, together with Black media shops, prospects, and family and friends members, had a incredible expertise. The restaurant’s latest member, Chef Erica, was praised for her excellent contributions to the model. The dinner was curated by their visitor chef, Alex, and fundamental chef Erica.
Candy Catch BK opened in September 2022. The institution’s Model Normal Supervisor, Nucomme, also referred to as the “Magic Individual for Candy Catch,” hosted the dinner celebration. Jefferson and her crew proved their resilience after some uncertainty in regards to the restaurant’s future earlier this yr. Jefferson described her institution’s setting as wanting “loads completely different.” The proprietor was involved about her variety of prospects months in the past. Nucomme supplied consolation for Jefferson, together with their employees, via that difficult time.
“That’s only a testimony of the place we have been then to the place we are actually,” stated Jefferson. She humbly thanked her employees for his or her assist. “This can be a massive milestone for us, so I actually admire you all being right here to have fun,” she continued. “I’m so joyful that we’re in a distinct place — I owe it to my group, 100%.” Jefferson praised her chef, Erica, who joined the Candy Catch crew over a yr in the past. “She’s modified the trajectory of what we now have going,” stated Jefferson. “You can’t develop a restaurant with out consistency.”
Based on the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation, 16% of restaurant corporations are Black or African American-owned. For New York State particularly, that accounts for less than 10% of eating places with Black homeowners.
Candy Catch BK has discovered a refreshed tempo and partnership with Ten to One Rum. This collaboration’s goal is to showcase the significance of Black hospitality’s existence and unity. Ten to One was based in July 2019 by Marc Farrell. The Trinidad and Tobago native moved to america at 16, the place he attended completely different faculties and universities to be taught enterprise. After spending time because the CEO at a serious espresso chain, Farrell determined to pursue a enterprise that resonated extra along with his Caribbean background.
“Our entire factor is energy in numbers and constructing a group,” stated Market Supervisor Eli Servance III. Each bottle of their rum represents different Caribbean nations, together with Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados. That is the primary Black owned rum firm in america. Ten to One Rum is deliberately in lots of Black owned locations, like Candy Catch BK, which echoes their worth to construct up the Black group.
“We’re all the time doing enterprise with ourselves — in fact, we wish to elevate one another, construct this group,” stated Servance III. Through the ceremonial dinner, he talked about the detrimental notion about rum on account of pirates and ships. Ten to One Rum goals to erase these detrimental beliefs and current rum as a supply that elevates Black communities and companies. The rum model not too long ago obtained a brand new funding from Atlanta singer & performer Ciara.
Ten to One Rum is accessible now at Candy Catch BK. For extra info, please go to sweetcatchbk.com and tentoonerum.com.
